Ashton and Füle react positively to Algeria’s legislative elections

14-05-2012

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and the European Neighbourhood Policy, have welcomed the fact that legislative elections in Algeria were held in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere. They also welcomed the increased participation of women in the new Assembly.

“We consider these elections to be a step forward in the reform process which started in April 2011 in Algeria, expected to be concluded by a revision of the Constitution later this year to consolidate democracy and the rule of law in line with the legitimate expectations of the Algerian people,” said a joint statement.

The statement said that the preliminary findings of the EU’s Election Observation Mission, led by MEP M. Salafranca, have acknowledged positive developments in the electoral process while underlining some areas where improvements can be made. More detailed recommendations will be outlined in the final report which will be made available in the coming weeks.

“The EU is fully committed to continuing an open, comprehensive and constructive dialogue with Algeria in order to further strengthen the partnership. The EU looks forward to the newly elected Parliament taking forward the reform process based on democratic principles and the respect for human rights and the rule of law," concluded the statement. (EU Neighbourhood Info)